Man reportedly sold $200,000 in stolen jewelry

A local man who was already out on parole is now facing new charges after authorities found that he had sold more than $200,000 in jewelry that had been reported stolen.

Colin Patrick Bartlett, 24, of 1325 Jayell Road in Sevierville, is facing charges of felony theft, aggravated burglary and possession of a controlled substance after his arrest Thursday. He was being held in the Sevier County Jail Friday in lieu of $200,000 bond.

Authorities looking into a string of jewelry thefts learned that Bartlett had been selling the jewelry at area stores, and caught up with him when he came to the parole office, according to warrants for his arrest.

“Bartlett was confronted at his parole office about the jewelry,” Detective Johnny Bohanan wrote in the warrant. “He stated he was sure the jewelry was stolen but some guy ... gave it to him to sell. He did sell the jewelry knowing it was stolen and without the owners’ consent.”

Upon searching him, officers found that he was carrying more than $10,000 worth of jewelry. The items hadn’t been reported stolen at the time, but Friday the owner called authorities to report he had returned form a vacation to find there had been a break-in at his home.

During the search, officers also found that Bartlett was carrying more than a dozen painkillers without a prescription.

While the theft warrant mentions Bartlett was on parole, it doesn’t mention what charges led to his earlier conviction.